Hamilton v Leclerc 'a generational issue' - Ferrari

The intriguing intra-team battle between new Ferrari team-mates Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc has been described as "a generational issue".

At the age of 40, Hamilton has been lured into one final hurrah in his F1 career with the most-storied team in the sport's history, ending his long association with Mercedes stretching back into his youth.

Leclerc, heading into his seventh successive campaign with the Scuderia, is 13 years the Briton's junior, leading many pundits to query whether the seven-time F1 champion has what it takes to go head-to-head against a driver many feel is a title-winner in waiting.

Leclerc has made no secret of his desire to test himself against Hamilton, believing the presence of the 105-time grand prix winner will push him to new heights.

Reflecting on the upcoming dynamic between the duo, Piero Ferrari, son of legendary team founder Enzo, said: "It's always been like this between team-mates. It's part of the game.

"In Charles' case, there's also the generational issue, like we're witnessing in tennis with [Jannik] Sinner and other kids - the freshness of the youngsters versus the experience and solidity of those many years older.

"I'm sure that the rivalry between Hamilton and Leclerc will bring advantages to both of them."

Whilst Hamilton's age has been questioned, and whether he still has the speed and reactions compared to when he was younger, Ferrari, who owns just over 10 per cent of the automotive company, does not see an issue.

"He is healthy and in good shape both physically and mentally," he said, speaking to Autosprint. "I don't think age is a problem at all. He accepted the challenge with great enthusiasm, so he is sure of his possibilities.

"And seven world titles mean the awareness of reading the races. Lewis brings to Ferrari a huge experience, he is a professional at the highest level, knows how to win races, and he has the right pressure to try."

Much will depend on Ferrari's challenger for this year, the SF-75. Its predecessor from last year pushed McLaren all the way in the constructors' championship, falling short of a first team title for 16 years by just 14 points.

Ferrari has declared himself only "moderately optimistic" for this year.

He added that "2025 will be a beautiful and spectacular season because we are at the last page of a regulation that is closing and everyone will be at peak performance.

"Then, in 2026, will things change?"